Monday, October 31, 2016

The annual Vernon Vipers Halloween Quiz contest is back for another year and it’s even scarier than ever. Well not really but that’s what they always say for scary sequels. Play along at home and see how well you do compared to some of the Junior A hockey players. And find out who gets the most Viper Pumpkins by the end of the quiz.

The American Hockey League Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Sahir Gill.

Gill was invited to the Pittsburgh Penguins Training camp made his NHL pre-season debut September 28th 2016 went pointless in the Penguins 2-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks before being assigned the American Hockey League.Gill has spent the past three seasons in the American Hockey League & East Coast Hockey League. Gill left Boston University after three seasons to sign with the ECHL Wheeling Nailers in 2013. Gill attended the Montreal Canadians Training Camp in 2014 before being released played last season with the AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins & the ECHL Wheeling Nailers. In 21 games with the Penguins Gill recorded (5-goals-9-assists-14-points) & in 24 games with the Nailers Gill picked up (3-goals-15-assists-18-points).

Gill played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2008-2010). Gill left the Vipers in July 2009 for the United States Hockey League (USHL) Chicago Steel but after playing in 26 games returned to Vernon in mid January 2010 to finish his Junior hockey career with the Vipers. In 71 regular season games with the Vipers Gill collected (21-goals-30-assists-42-points).

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins announced today that they have signed forward Sahir Gill to an American Hockey League contract for the 2016-17 season.

In his third professional season, Gill recorded AHL career highs with 21 games played, five goals, nine assists, and 14 points. He finished the regular season with nine points (2G-7A) in his last eight games with the Penguins.

The 24-year-old also posted 18 points (3G-15A) in 24 games with the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) during the 2015-16 campaign. At the time of his recall to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Dec. 15, 2015, Gill’s 15 assists led all Nailers players.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton season ticket packages for the 2016-17 season, including 22-game, 12-game and Flexbook plans, are available by contacting the Penguins directly at (570) 208-7367.

Sunday, October 30, 2016

The BCHL board of governors has approved a new postseason format for the 2017 BC Ford Dealers Road to the Fred Page Cup BCHL Playoffs.

The BCHL’s need to carefully plan its playoff format is predicated on the fact the BCHL has three divisions – the Island, Mainland and Interior Divisions – yet must still arrive at two teams to compete for the title.

The following describes how each round will be structured. All series will be best-of-seven.Island Division: The top-four teams will make the playoffs with the No. 1-seed facing the No. 4-seed and the No. 2-seed facing the No. 3-seed in Round 1. The winners will advance to the Division finals. The winner of the Division finals will advance to play the winner of the Mainland Division.

Mainland Division: The top-four teams will make the playoffs with the No. 1-seed facing the No. 4-seed and the No. 2-seed facing the No. 3-seed in Round 1. The winners will advance to the Division finals. The winner of the Division finals will advance to play the winner of the Island Division.

Interior Division: Six teams will qualify for the playoffs, including a possible crossover team* from the Mainland Division. With the teams ranked No. 1 to No. 6, the top-two seeds will get a first-round bye. The Round 1 matchups will see the No. 3-seed facing the No. 6-seed and the No. 4-seed facing the No. 5-seed. In Round 2, the No. 1-seed (having had a bye) will face the lowest-seeded team to advance. The No. 2-seed (having had a bye) will face the other team that advances.*Should the fifth-place team in the Mainland Division have more points than the sixth-place team from the Interior, the Mainland team will cross over to the Interior and play as the No. 6-seed in Round 1.

Once the Interior determines its champion, that team will play the winner of the Island-Mainland best-of-seven in the Fred Page Cup BCHL Finals.

New rules brought in by the B.C. Hockey League Friday see every team in the Interior Division make the playoffs unless they suddenly forget how to skate and shoot.

And with the Penticton Vees hosting the 2017 Western Canada Cup, the regular season now appears pretty mundane and irrelevant to the average fan.

The Vees and Vernon Vipers feel otherwise and have for a zillion years, as evidenced in the Vees’ 4-2 win over the Snakes before 1,687 fans Friday night at Kal Tire Place.

It was another fierce battle with the Vipers, while wearing their Buffalo Sabre third jerseys, trying to punish the Vees at every turn in the opening 20 minutes before settling down in a crazy middle frame.

Ward, the son of former NHLer Dixon Ward, of Kelowna, says the Vees aren’t treating the regular season as a family vacation.

“Every game, we try to win and if you win more than you lose at the end of the season, you look good going into the playoffs,” said Ward, 18. “We’re just taking it one game at a time, one period at a time and hopefully by the end of the year, we’re up there in the rankings.”

Penticton, who went 1-for-5 on the powerplay, led 2-0 after 20 minutes and 3-0 eight minutes into the second period. Vernon was 1-for-1 with the man advantage.

Defenceman Carter Stephenson and Jimmy Lambert counted Viper snipes 10 seconds apart late in the second period to make things interesting and send the crowd into bonkerville.

Cruikshank wired a wrister from near the penalty box into an empty net for his 12th of the season with 55 seconds left in the third.

Ward fooled Viper goalie Ty Taylor with a change-up from the right side just 72 seconds after the national anthem. Ward then converted on a heavy blast from the the ringette line on a power play with 28 seconds left in the first. Ty Barnstable and Nick Jones drew assists.

“First one, I kind of just got a break and I was looking low blocker,” said Ward, who has five goals on the year. “I kind of whiffed on it and it slipped in but sometimes that happens. Some games, you think you should get one but you get unlucky and then some games, it shouldn’t go in and it does. It’s just weird that way.”

Penticton goalie Mathew Robson flashed a stellar glove on four or five Grade A scoring chances and finished with 29 saves. He is 12-2. Taylor (5-3) blocked 27 shots for Vernon.

“It was a tough game,” said Viper winger Hunter Zandee. “We eliminate that first period and we’re gonna win that hockey game. We just got into some penalty troubles and obviously it’s a big rivalry and we just let that get into our head. Five on five, I think we’re the better team. If we stay out of the box, it’s gonna be a different game.”

The Vipers, who welcomed back big d-men Cooper Watson and Connor Clouston from injured reserve, dipped to 8-7-2, good for third place in the Interior.

“I thought we lost our composure a little bit early on with penalties, but our team was just amped up for this game,” said Viper assistant coach Kevin Kraus. “This is a team we want to play and beat and we were ready for them. We were able to get our composure back and get a couple of goals and this building came alive...Give them credit; they’re a good hockey team and they took advantage of their scoring chances.”

Saturday, October 29, 2016

I have had season tickets for the past 27 years and been following Junior hockey in Vernon for well over thirty years. Ive missed only three home games since 1998-99 season. For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Centennials game as Vernon defeated Merritt 3-1 in front of 1,589 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ty Taylor

Merritt: Jacob Berger

1st Period: Both teams got off to a quick start as the play was fairly even off the opening puck drop. A lot of back and fourth play with no real scoring chances early. Vernon was ahead in shots 3-0 early as Merritt needed just over four minutes to record their first shot on goal. Shortly after the Vipers took over the edge in play and basically carried the play for the remainder of the period. Jimmy Lambert would get the Vipers first quality chance couldn't beat Jacob Berger from the slot. The Vipers didn't generate a lot of grade a chances but did get a few good looks down low, couldn't finish-capitalize in tight. Just before the first half, Cooper Watson snuck in from the point ripped a hard shot that was stopped by Berger. Vernon was outshooting Merritt 7-1 at the halfway mark. Just past the midway mark the Vipers would get the games first powerplay. Captain Riley Brandt with a good look-quick release from the circle was denied by Berger as the Centennials would kill off the minor. The Cents who had very little control with the puck, would finally get their legs going and pick up their game late in the frame. With about four minutes left, Merritt with some pressure in the offensive zone was pressing late. The Cents didn't really generate much for opportunities until Ty Taylor was forced to make a huge pad save off a deflection in front off the stick of Zach Risteau with 1:50 remaining on Merritt's first good quality chance of the night. Riley Brandt come right back the other way, would get a great opportunity but couldn't beat Jacob Berger. It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. Other then the first few minutes and the final few minutes it was all Vipers. Vernon controlled most of the play for most of the 1st period. The Vipers didn't generate a lot of quality chances, did get some good looks down low and in and around the net. Most of the play was in the Merritt end as the Centennials were outplayed most of the period. The Cents with very little puck possession, didn't have a lot of time in the offensive zone. Jacob Berger made some key saves keeping this game scoreless. Vernon outshot Merritt 16-4.

2nd Period: The Centennials would get their first look with the man advantage, getting an early powerplay to start the middle frame. Not a lot of pressure, Stephan Seeger missed an open cage in front as Merritt didn't record a single shot on the PP. Vernon with a good penalty kill, killed off the minor. The Vipers responded with a good push back before opening the scoring three minutes later. Austin Adamson setup Keith Anderson for the one timer who went high beating Centennials starting goaltender Jacob Berger giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 6:22 Adamson and Chris Jandric with the assists. Just before the midway mark Keith Anderson with a great look in close couldn't find the back of the net. Merritt would get their second look with the powerplay but again couldn't generate much for offence as the Vipers penalty kill with another kill. Shortly after Hunter Zandee with a parcial breakaway let up before not getting a very good shot off was stopped by Berger. The Vipers with three real good opportunities were just missing the far corner. Jimmy Lambert, Christian Cakebread and Ryan Brushett all ripped shots from about the same area come very close to hitting the far corner. Both teams really come out hitting as several big hits were thrown around the rink, with the Vipers doing a lot of the physical play. Late in the period both teams would exchange powerplays. Merritt really struggled with the man advantage couldn't tie the game, while Riley Brandt with a good chance couldn't give Vernon a 2-0 lead. It was 1-0 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. Another strong period by the Vipers who once again carried the majority of the play. Vernon didn't generate a whole lot of quality chances, did manage to create some good looks. For a second straight period the Centennials struggled offensively, going 0-3 with the PP didn't generate much for offence. The Cents only real grade a chance come on the man advantage after Stephan Seeger missed an open net on the tap in in front. Once again Jacob Berger was good between the pipes. Vernon outshot Merritt 15-3.

3rd Period: The Vipers would get an early powerplay but couldn't capitalize. Shortly after it looked like Vernon took their foot off the gas and were caught standing still. This gave Merritt a good opportunity to get their game going. The Cents who didn't show much in the first two periods slowly started to get some momentum and take over the edge in play. The Centennials getting some good looks in and around the net, looked to have Vernon back on their heels a bit. Just before the halfway mark Jimmy Lambert with a burst of speed rang one off the post on a Viper two on one rush. On the following play Vernon product Brett Jewell on a parcial breakaway couldn't beat Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor who made a big blocker save. Two good chances at both ends of the rink. Shortly after Riley Brandt levelled Michael Van Unen into the end boards, who went down hard and didn't move for a few seconds before slowly moving. Tyrell Buckley jumped Brandt as the two tangled at centre ice before Brandt took Buckley to the ice. Both players were tossed from the game for fighting while Brandt was given five minutes for charging. The Cents would get a five minute powerplay. Merritt struggled with the man advantage, moved the puck around, was unable to get setup-get any real quality shots towards the net as Vernon was blocking the shooting lanes as well as coming up with several big blocked shots. Shorthanded Niko Karamanis broke free for the breakaway beat Jacob Berger fivehole giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 14:38 sending Kal Tire Place into a frenzy. Karamanis's goal was unassisted. The Vipers would build off the shorthanded goal and kill off the remainder of the major. The Cents blew a huge chance to tie the hockey game. Shortly after the Cents would get a late powerplay, with the goaltender on the bench for the extra attacker Cade Gleekel buried home the rebound breaking Ty Taylor's shutout bid at 18:97 Zachary Bleuler & Zach Risteau picked up the helpers. Merritt would once again get Jacob Berger to the bench for the extra attacker, with good pressure, would get two good looks in close couldn't beat Taylor who come up big in the final minute. Keith Anderson would put the game away hit the open cage giving Vernon a 3-1 lead at 19:47 Jagger Williamson collected the lone assist. The Vipers would hang on for the 3-1 victory. The Centennials finally woke up and come to play in the final twenty minutes, played their best twenty minutes of the night. Merritt caught the Vipers standing around early, would get good pressure and some good looks before blowing their chance to tie the game on a major penalty. The Cents struggled with the man advantage all night. I thought the Centennials had the better of the play. The Vipers looked a little scrambled at times and were caught standing around early to start the 3rd picked up their game as the period went on. The Viper penalty kill was very good. How big was Niko Karamanis's shorthanded goal? Vernon was really limited to their chances in the 3rd, were either on the PK or held in their own end at times. Merritt outshot Vernon 13-8.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Cooper Watson I thought was steady on the Vernon blueline. Was involved in the play, was getting pucks to the net and was good defensively.

Keith Anderson (2 goals) For a second straight night, looked good. Brought a ton of jump-energy to the lineup, played the body, was finishing his checks, was skating hard, going to the net and looking for his opportunities. I really like the addition of Anderson, a very solid pickup by the Vipers.

Riley Brandt was physical, really skating hard, had atleast two or three good quality chances before being tossed from the game for fighting-charging. Will Brandt get suspended for his check?

Christian Cakebread didn't pick up any points, was skating hard, involved in the play, up on the attack, I thought played well for the Vipers. Worked-battled hard.

Niko Karamanis (1 goal) Scored the game winner (shorthanded) on a breakaway in the 3rd had a strong night. Wasn't involved in the play a lot but did a lot of the little things behind the play. Got sticks in the way of passes to break up passes, was good on the back check and strong without the puck.

Jimmy Lambert Had a strong night, was really flying, had several good looks-opportunities, hit the post in the 3rd, couldn't find the back of the net. Showed a lot of hustle and determination. Was good on the PK.

Chris Jandric (1 assist) Played very well on the backend. Chipped in with an assist was very steady through out the game.

Ty Taylor (19 saves) Gave up two soft goals in the loss to the Penticton Vees last night, responded well with a big game-win tonight. Wasn't tested much in the first two periods, saw most of his action come the 3rd. Was out to challenge, wasn't fighting the puck, made several key saves, giving his team a chance to win.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

For a second straight night the Vipers were ready to play and looked-played very well. Until the 3rd the Vipers basically dominated the game for the first two periods. It was all Vernon in periods one and two, but were only up a goal come the final frame. Vernon was really using their speed to try and open up the ice. The Vipers for a second straight night, didn't create-generate a lot of quality chances, had their fare share of good looks down low, had troubles finding the back of the net tonight. This game should have been long over after the 1st period but the Vipers just couldn't capitalize-score goals. If Vernon scores a goal or two in the 1st maybe get rolling and put this game away early. The Vipers needed to put this game away after the 1st or 2nd period but instead allowed Merritt to hang around and have a chance to win. Only up 1-0 in the 3rd the Vipers got a little scrambled, looked to take their foot off the gas, were caught standing around a lot, wich allowed the Centennials back in the game and gave them several chances to tie the game. As the 3rd went along Vernon seemed to settle down but then had to kill off the five minute major. A huge kill and a huge shorthanded goal by Karamanis. The Vipers penalty kill has been very good this season and it showed again tonight. Vernon really limited the Cents chances in the 3rd and on the PK blocking shots, getting in the shooting lanes and then got the goaltending when needed. This game was a little too close for my liking as one shot by Merritt and we have a tied game. Nice to see the Vipers play hard and rewarded with the victory. This was Vernon's first win over Merritt this year after two pre-season losses and then falling 4-1 in Merritt just a few weeks ago. With the win Vernon passes Merritt and climbs into 2nd place in the Interior Division. The Vipers now hit the road for a four game road trip. Former Vernon Lakers forward Spencer Ward was in attendance.

Top Player's: (Merritt)

Zach Risteau (1 assist) Was one of Merritt's better players tonight. Had a great chance to open the scoring late in the 2nd period couldn't beat Ty Taylor on a deflection down low.

Jacob Berger (37 saves) Played very well, especially in periods one & two. Made some key saves at times when it was either scoreless or 1-0 not to allow this game to get away on him and the Centennials. Saw a lot of rubber in the first two periods, gave his team a chance to win.

Game Thought's: (Merritt)

The Cents come into tonight's game 3-0 vs the Vipers this season (exhibition & regular season) lost 5-3 in Wenatchee Friday and it showed. The long bus ride to Vernon overnight showed as Merritt was outplayed most of the first two periods. The Centennials played most of the first two periods in their own end, had all kinds of troubles getting their legs going, getting control of the puck and getting any zone time. Your not going to win many hockey games with just seven shots after two periods. The Cents were finally able to get going and get some momentum going in the 3rd played their best hockey of the night in the final twenty minutes. Merritt struggled with the powerplay, especially not being able to capitalize on the major in the 3rd. Giving up the shorthanded goal was the heart breaker. Other wise this game was going to overtime. The Centennials hung around and hung around, were still in this game even though badly outplayed after two periods. The Cents capitalize on the powerplay and this is a different hockey game-outcome. Merritt like the Vipers didn't generate much for offence, had some looks in and around the net but didn't get a lot of grade a opportunities. A lot of pressure but had troubles getting pucks to the net, creating-generating chances. Not one of the biggest teams, had troubles containing Vernon's speed and skilled forwards. The Centennials did a good job at collapsing in front of the net, taking away Vernon's time and space. Nice to see a few handful of Centennials fans in attendance.

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 30-8-1-4 at home vs Merritt

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 26-11-2-5 in Merritt

The Vipers are 6-4-0-0 in their last ten games vs Merritt

The Vipers are 3-6-1-0 vs Merritt in their last ten games at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena

The Vipers are 7-3-0-0 vs Merritt in their last ten games at Kal Tire Place

Vernon's last win at home vs Merritt was a 5-3 victory on Wednesday, November 18th 2015

Merritt's last win at Kal Tire Place was a 3-2 victory on Friday, December 18th 2015
Vernon's last regular season win at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena was a 6-3 victory on Saturday, January 9th 2016

Merritt's last regular season win at home vs Vernon was a 4-1 victory on Wednesday, October 12th 2016

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The 8-7-2-0 Vernon Vipers are coming off a 4-2 loss to the visiting Penticton Vees last night. Tonight is the fourth meeting of the season vs Merritt (exhition & regular season). The Cents won both pre-season games over the Vipers are 3-0 vs Vernon this year. The last time these two teams met was October 12th in Merritt where the Cents come away with the 4-1 victory. Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 30-8-1-4 at home vs Merritt. Tonight is the final game of a two game home stand before the Vipers hit the road for a four game road trip. Vernon has lost three of their last four home games. Vernon comes into tonight's game having lost three of their last five and six of their last ten games. The Vipers sit 3rd in the Interior Division are a point back of Merritt, two points up on Salmon Arm and just a single point up on 4th place Trail.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=21Steven Jandric (6-5-11) leads the team lead in goals with six, while Jimmy Lambert (5-10-15) leads the team lead in points with fifteen.

The 8-7-2-1 Merritt Centennials make their first of three regular season visits to Kal Tire Place, are coming off a 5-3 loss in Wenatchee Friday. Tonight is the second game of a five game road trip where the Centennials are 5-3-0-1 away from home. The Cents have played seven of their last eleven games on home ice. Merritt has dropped three straight and four of their last five games. The Centennials sit 2nd in the Division are a single point up on Vernon and eleven points back of Division leading Penticton. These two teams will meet again December 16th in Merritt.

Merritt Centennials Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=15Tyler Ward (7-5-12), Chase Bell (7-2-9) & Michael Regush (7-9-16) share the team lead in goals with seven each, while Cade Gleekel (5-12-17) leads the team in points with seventeen.Merritt Centennials 2016-17 regular season stats:

Friday, October 28, 2016

I have had season tickets for the past 27 years and been following Junior hockey in Vernon for well over thirty years. Ive missed only three home games since 1998-99 season. For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Vees game as Penticton defeated Vernon 4-2 in front of 1,647 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ty Taylor

Penticton: Matthew Robson

1st Period: Well just a minute into the opening period Nick Jones was left alone at the side of the net couldn't beat Ty Taylor who just got a piece of Jones shot from in close making a big save in the opening minute. On the same play the Vipers just got the puck out of their own end before Carter Stephenson turned over the puck inside the neutral zone allowing Taylor Ward in for the parcial breakaway who went fivehole on Taylor giving Penticton a 1-0 lead at 1:12 on a goal I think Taylor would like to have back. David Eccles collected the lone assist. The Veeslooked sharp early were outshooting Vernon 3-0 as the Vipers needed three minutes to record their first shot on goal. Penticton would get the games first powerplay just less then five minutes into the frame. Penticton with just two shots on goal and not a lot of pressure couldn't capitalize with the man advantage was unable to grab a early two goal lead. A few plays after the powerplay Grant Crulkshank would break in for the breakaway missed the net on a good opportunity to give Penticton a 2-0 lead. A few minutes later Crulkshank and Owen Sillinger went in for the two on one but couldn't find the back of the net as the Vees with some good chances in the first half. The Vipers holding their own against the league best Vees were limited on offence didn't muster any real great quality chances. A lot of back and fourth play with not a lot of great chances at either ends of the rink. The Vees would get a late powerplay and capitalize. Ty Barnstable's shot was blocked in front by Jagger Williamson before the puck come out into the slot for Taylor Ward who ripped a quick shot from the slot past Ty Taylor gave Penticton a 2-0 lead at 19:32 Barnstable & Nick Jones with the helpers. At the buzzer both teams started pushing and shoving before tempers heated up in a hurry. Steven Jandric and Ryley Risling dropped the gloves got into a scrap just to the side of the Viper bench. Lots of pushing and shoving and players exchanging words before the minor scrum was broken up. It was 1-0 Penticton after 20 minutes of play. The Vees capitalized on a Viper turnover opened the scoring 1:12 into the game got off to a quick start. Penticton looked good in the opening few minutes. The Vees with a breakaway and two on one rush couldn't capitalize on two good quality chances in the first half. The Vipers held their own didn't generate/create much for offensive chances. Vernon didn't get any real quality chances were limited in the offensive zone. I thought both teams were fairly even at times with a lot of the play going back and fourth. I thought the Vees were a little better, had a slight edge in play, were a little quicker with the puck and on the breakout, did create-generate a some good chances. Penticton outshot Vernon 13-7.

2nd Period: The Vees would lose Ryley Risling for the first half of the period after picking up a ten minute misconduct at the buzzer to end the 1st period. Penticton would get an early powerplay but didn't generate much for offence as the Viper penalty kill was solid killing off the minor. Just seconds after killing off the penalty, the Vees would head back to the PP after Shane Kelly would serve his checking to the head penalty, wich results in an automatic ten minute misconduct. On the play the Vipers would also lose Austin Adamson who picked up a ten minute misconduct for saying something to the referee. This got Mark Ferner and the Viper bench upset, as Ferner and the Vernon coaching staff were really giving it to the officials during the stoppage in play. The crowd also not happy with the officiating was letting the referee's have it. Vernon needed six minutes to get their first shot on goal. Shorthanded Hunter Zandee and Jagger Williamson broke loose for the breakaway. Zandee decided to keep and shoot was easily stopped by Vees starting goaltender Matthew Robson on a missed opportunity by Vernon. On the same play-shift back come the Vees the other way, Grant Crulkshank unloaded a quick shot from the circle that beat Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor but hit the crossbar on a missed opportunity for Penticton. Once again the Viper penalty kill was solid, didn't give up much for chances were able to kill off the minor. Penticton couldn't capitalize after back to back powerplays. But just three minutes later Grant Crulkshank on a parcial breakaway beat Ty Taylor fivehole giving Penticton a 3-0 lead at 12:00 on another goal I think Taylor would like to have back. Owen Sillinger with the assist. Vernon responded with a strong push back, poured on the attack but once again didn't generate-create a lot of quality chances. Jimmy Lambert on an odd man rush with a nice move in close couldn't beat Robson. With about six and a half minutes remaining in the middle frame Connor Clouston with a quick shot from the circle couldn't beat Matthew Robson who flashed the leather, making a quick glove save. On the following play-shift Robson made another nice glove save, this time off Steven Jandric. Two quality chances for Vernon. With four and a half minutes left the Vipers would get their first look with the man advantage. Captain Riley Brandt setup Carter Stephenson who's rocket of a shot beat Matthew Robson high cutting the Penticton lead to 3-1 at 17:20 Stevenson and Jagger Williamson picked up the helpers. Off the following faceoff and just ten seconds later Cooper Watson sprung Jimmy Lambert for the breakaway put a nice move on Robson in tight before finding the back of the net got Vernon to within a goal at 17:30 as Kal Tire Place erupted. Watson & Connor Clouston collected the assists. The Vipers with two goals in ten seconds were back in the game. Penticton was up 3-2 after 40 minutes of play. The Vees with back to back powerplays didn't get any real quality chances, couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. Vernon playing shorthanded for most of the first half lost Austin Adamson and Shane Kelly for ten minutes each. Most of the first half was played in the Vernon end, due to the powerplay but in the second half it was Vernon who carried a lot of the play. The Vipers didn't generate-create a lot of opportunities tonight would finally get a few good quality chances in the second half of the frame. The Vipers with two big back to back goals ten seconds apart, got within a goal to make things interesting. The Vipers were the better team in the 2nd period outshot Penticton 15-7.

3rd Period: Vernon come out strong, jumped on the Vees early. The Vipers with a strong attack carried a lot of the play early, but once again didn't generate-create any real good chances. The Vipers looked good early, carried the better of the play but had troubles getting pucks to the net. Penticton needed seven minutes to record their first shot of the 3rd were outplayed for most of the first half, but played well defensively. The Vees would get a powerplay just before the midway mark. Penticton with several good looks-chances couldn't beat Ty Taylor who was solid on the penalty kill, made some big stops keeping this a one goal game. Penticton with six shots at atleast five good quality chances couldn't grab the two goal lead. Taylor and the Vipers with a huge penalty kill, would kill off the minor. The Vipers come right back and once again took it to the Vees. Vernon carried a lot of the play, was having troubles getting to the front of the net. Penticton playing with a one goal lead late in the game, sat back played very well defensively. With Just over five minutes remaining Riley Brandt with a hard shot forced Matthew Robson into making a big toe save keeping this a one goal game. The Vipers with a ton of pressure just couldn't create any real quality chances as time was winding down. Mark Ferner would call a timeout with 1:37 left, got Ty Taylor to the bench for the extra attacker. With good pressure the Vees come up with two shot blocks before a poor pass in the neutral zone allowed Grant Crulkshank to scoop up the errand pass and hit the empty netter from inside the Viper blueline giving Penticton a 4-2 lead at 19:04 Crulkshank's goal was unassisted. The Vees bench was very vocal after the goal, with a big celebration from the bench. The Vipers would get Taylor back to the bench for the extra attacker, Shane Kelly's point shot got through traffic handcuffed Matthew Robson who had trouble closing the puck with his glove, as the puck fell behind the Vees goaltender before being covered up with just less then thirty seconds to go. The Vees would wind down the clock to end the game, coming away with the 4-2 victory. Other then some real good looks-opportunities on the lone powerplay of the period, I thought Vernon was the better of the two teams. The Vipers carried most of the play, had lots of pressure but had troubles creating-generating chances. Most of Vernon's shots were from well outside with no traffic in front. Vernon struggled offensively all night. Penticton's defence was very solid through out the game but very strong in the 3rd blocking several shots, getting in the shooting lanes and limiting the Vipers time and space. Penticton outshot Vernon 11-10.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Keith Anderson played very well through out the game. I thought played with a lot of jump-energy, worked-battled hard, was mucking and grinding and laid out the odd hit.

Ryan Brushett Didn't get any real good scoring chances, was another kid that played with a lot of jump-energy, skating hard, moving the puck well, worked-played hard, tried creating-generating some chances, was good with the puck at times.

Austin Adamson was another forward who didn't really get any good opportunities, was skating hard, showed lots of jump & energy, was really moving the puck well through the neutral zone, tried using his wheels to create-generate some offence.

Connor Clouston (1 assist) Played well on the backend. Returned to the lineup tonight after being out with a concussion.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

The Vipers fell behind early, giving up the games first goal just 1:12 into the opening period put themselves into a bit of a hole falling down 3-0 midway through the 2nd period. I don't care who your playing, anytime your down 3-0 its going to be a battle to try and come back and win that game. Give the Vipers full credits for battling back, getting within a goal and making the final period interesting. Vernon could have easily folded the tents and packed it in after it was 3-0. I thought the Vipers held their own against the league's top team for most of the night. Other then a few shifts here and there I thought both teams were fairly evenly matched and stacked up well against one another. Vernon had troubles all night creating-generating opportunities. Most of the Viper shots were from well outside with little to no traffic in front. The Vipers had troubles getting to the front of the net and didn't go to the grey area enough. Vernon worked hard, battled hard but needed to dig a little deeper to try and create-generate some better chances. Give full credit to the Viper penalty kill that was solid. Only giving up one PP goal, was very strong tonight. Other then the one Vees powerplay in the 3rd the Viper PK limited Penticton to very few opportunities with the man advantage. The Vipers were really limited offensively with very few quality chances, only had a handful of opportunities all night. Ty Taylor needs to be better and stop the Vees first and third goals. These are saves you need when your playing one of the leagues best. The Vipers wearing their new third set jerseys tonight, looked sharp. Navy blue with yellow and red stripes along with yellow numbers and name bars outlined in red. I really like the looks of the new uniforms, much better then the past few season third set jerseys. I still like tradition and wish they would stick with one set of jerseys. Former Vernon Vipers forward Bryce Kakoske and former Viper captain David Robinson were in attendance tonight.

Top Player's: (Penticton)

Joseph Leahy played well on the backend, was good at both ends of the rink.

The line of Chris Klack, Taylor Ward (2 goals) and Nick Jones (1 assist) Was dangerous at times. Ward with two goals gave the Vees a 2-0 lead was one of the better Penticton forwards. Skated well, was always involved in the play. Has a nice quick shot-release played very well in the win. Klack who impressed me during the two pre-season games back in August is quick on his feet, moves the puck in a hurry. Jones who was dangerous vs the Vipers last season, picked up one helper had a great opportunity a minute into the game.

Jared Nash I thought played very well, was going to the net, played-worked hard all night.

Grant Crulkshank (2 goals) I thought was the Vees most dangerous player. Missed the net on a 1st period breakaway, hit the crossbar on a 2nd period powerplay, was all over the ice this evening. Very strong with and without the puck, has some wheels, was hard to play against and defend against. Was another kid who stood out during the exhibition games vs Vernon.

David Eccles was solid on the Penticton blueline, played very well defensively.

Game Thought's: (Penticton)

The Vees jumped out to a 3-0 lead before hanging on for the 4-2 victory. The Vees have now won eight straight over Vernon going back to the 2014-15 regular season. Penticton who may be the league's top team and now twelve points up on the Vipers didn't dominate tonight's game. This game was fairly even at times as the Vipers gave Penticton a good push-run for their money. This was a very entertaining hockey game that could have easily gone either way. Either team could have won. Going up three goals was huge and a big key to the game-win. The Vees could have easily put the game away went 1-5 with the man advantage. Unlike last season where the Penticton powerplay was lights out, tonight the Vees PP struggled at times-ran into a good penalty kill (Vipers). The Vees don't seem to have that quick bang bang play they killed the Vipers with last year. The Vees really limited to their chances with the man advantage. Like Vernon I also thought Penticton didn't get a huge amount of quality chances through out the night. Sure the Vees had some good opportunities but unlike in past seasons where the Vees put on a clinic at times vs the Vipers. The Vees did create-generate more opportunities were also limited to their chances at times. I think the Vees had a slight edge in play after the 1st may have been outplayed at times during the 2nd and definitely in the 3rd. The Vees needed seven minutes in the final frame to record their first shot on goal. Give credit to Penticton's defence tonight that played very very well. Really took away a lot of time and space, limited Vernon's chances, blocked several shots and allowed Matthew Robson a fairly routine night between the pipes. I don't think Robson was tested as much as Mark Ferner and the Vipers would like. These two teams will meet next November 11th in Penticton. With the win Penticton improves to 15-2 & 10-1 on the road, have won eight straight away from home. How good have the Vees been in Vernon? Since the 2011-12 regular season Penticton is 13-4 at Kal Tire Place. The Vees have dominated the Vipers over the past few seasons. Since the 2011-12 regular season Penticton is 25-8 vs the Vipers. Earlier in the week the Vees acquired 20 yr old forward Duncan Campbell who was released by the WHL Brandon Wheat Kings. Today the Vees acquired forward Matt Gosiewski (98) from the NAHL Minnesota Magicians for future considerations. Both players weren't in the lineup tonight. I was surprised not to see any Vees fans at the game. If there were some, they didn't make any noise.

Since the 2002-03 regular season Penticton has outscored Vernon 266-251

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 20-16-1-2 at home vs. Penticton

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 16-20-1-3 in Penticton

The Vees are 8-2-0-0 in their last ten games in Vernon

The Vipers are 2-6-0-2 in their last ten games in Penticton

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs. Penticton was a 4-3 victory on Saturday, February 22nd 2014

The Vees last regular season win in Vernon was a 4-1 victory on Friday, January 8th 2016

The Vipers last regular season win in Penticton was a 2-1 victory on Wednesday, February 11th 2015

The Vees last regular season win at home vs. Vernon was a 3-0 victory on Friday, December 4th 2015

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The 8-6-2-0 Vernon Vipers are coming off a 2-1 victory in Trail Saturday face the Penticton Vees for a third time this season. The Vipers went 0-2 in two exhibition games vs the Vees in late August. Vernon lost all six regular season games to Penticton last year, then fell in five games to the Vees in the opening round of the BCHL playoffs, have lost seven straight games to the Vees going back to the 2014-15 regular season. The Vipers have struggled at home vs the Vees the past few seasons. Since the 2011-12 regular season Vernon is 4-12 at home vs Penticton. The Vipers begin a two game home stand tonight, have lost two of their last three home games. Vernon has lost three of their last five games and six of their last ten games. The Vipers sit 3rd in the Interior Division are three points up on Trail, two points up on Salmon Arm while one point back of 2nd place Merritt and ten points back of Division leading Penticton.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=21Steven Jandric (6-5-11) leads the team lead in goals with six, while Jimmy Lambert (4-10-14) leads the team lead in points with fourteen.

The 14-2-0-0 defending regular season champion and 2017 Western Canada Cup host Penticton Vees make their first of three regular season visits to Kal Tire Place. The Vees were in Vernon for an exhibition game August 25th went to 2-0 vs the Vipers in the pre-season after a 4-1 victory in Vernon August 25th and a 4-2 win in Penticton August 30th. The Vees are coming off a 3-0 victory over the visiting Surrey Eagles Wednesday begin a three game road trip tonight. The Vees have dominated the Vipers the past few seasons, have won seven straight over the Vipers going back to 2014. Penticton is 8-3 in their last last even games at Kal Tire Place. The Vees are 24-7-0-0 vs the Vipers the past four seasons. Penticton is 9-1 away from home, have won seven straight on the road. The Vees come into tonight's game ranked 5th overall across Canada have lost just twice this season. The Vees have won four of their last five games and twelve of their last thirteen games. Penticton sits atop the Interior Division also are the league's top team.

1990 & 1991 Vernon Lakers Inducted Into Okanagan Sports Hall Of Fame

The 1969-70 & 1971-72 Vernon Essos were inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in November 2014

1999 Vernon Vipers Inducted Into BC Hockey Hall Of Fame

The 1999 Vernon Vipers were inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame In July 2016

On December 2nd 2017 the Vernon Vipers honoured the 1956 Vernon Canadians and former Vernon Esso's legend Wayne Dye. The 1956 Vernon Canadians Allen Cup banner along side Wayne Dye's #8 Legends banner were raised to the rafters at Kal Tire Place

Kal Tire Place-Home to the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

The Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1982 through the vision of Vernon resident and sports enthusiast, Nick Alexis. With the support of Vernon City Council, Alexis and a dedicated group of volunteers created a series of outdoor exhibits celebrating the region’s dynamic sporting history in Vernon’s Cenotaph Park. That same year, the new organization unveiled its first round of inductees to the Hall of Fame. Several years later, in 2001, the Hall of Fame moved its exhibits into the newly constructed Vernon Multiplex now known as Kal Tire Place.

About Me

I first created this blog in November of 2008. This coming season will be my ninth season doing this blog. I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and have been going to Junior Hockey games in Vernon since I was a young child. I purchased my first set of season tickets in 1990
I have had season tickets for the last 26 years, Since 1990 I have missed 42 home games.
In September of 2009 I missed my first home game since 2002-03 wich my streak of 236 straight Vipers home games came to an end. Ive missed just three Vipers home games since the 1998-1999 season.
I worked with the Vipers back in 2003-04 as colour comentator helping out with a few games over the internet. In 2011 I helped deisgn, create and put together the Vipers new website for the 2011-12 season. I ran and updated the Vipers website for five seasons, keeping all staff bios and pictures updated, adding new game photos, doing a game preview on game days, as well as adding any Vipers news, scores or BCHL news through out the season.
Over the years I have travelled to Victoria, Dauphin & Camrose to watch the Vipers in the RBC Cup. I was also at the 1990 Centennial Cup & 2014 RBC Cup in Vernon.